Wounds to parts of the body that contain a joint can be slower to heal. Movement in these areas make it difficult for the body’s healing process to “flow” as intended, due to disruption of the repairing tissues. Other areas with more movement, such as the hands, feet and face can also heal slowly. This could affect your ability to conduct daily tasks or use facial expressions to their full extent. To help your body to deal with the repair in a quick and efficient way, whilst minimising tight scars and maintaining a full range of motion at joints, proper treatment is essential.
What causes this problem?
All wounds are healed with scar tissue, which shrinks and tightens as it matures. Scar tissue is less elastic than the virgin tissue that it has replaced. It has no sweat glands or hair follicles and tends to be weaker than the original. However, it feels tight and strong. When a scar forms over a joint, this shrinking, also known as contraction, pulls nearby tissue inwards. This can result in limited movement around the joint. The deeper the wound, the more scar tissue is needed and the more effect it will have on your body.
What can help?
Maintaining movement, along with gentle massage of the scar area will help to prevent this tightening. There is a fine balance to maintain between keeping the wound still to prevent disruption of the new tissue and moving the joint enough to retain a good range of motion. Your surgeon, nurse or physiotherapist should be able to advise on this balancing act whilst the wound is healing. Once the skin has closed, you can use over the counter, silicon based, scar gel to keep the area moisturised and supple. Gentle movement at the joint along with massage, several times a day, will encourage the body to heal in a way that allows full movement in the future. This will be a long – term process with small gains every day.
Silicon based scar gels and patches can be obtained on-line or (in the U.K.) from Boots and Superdrug . Please always use as instructed and check the ingredients carefully before applying.
If you would like to seek professional help with massaging your scars to improve functionality, you can find someone in your area through this directory. If you are based in Berkshire or surrounds and would like a chat, please get in touch for a confidential chat.